Former junior welterweight champ Eddie Perkins passes away at age 75

Former two-time junior welterweight world champion Eddie Perkins passed away at his home in Chicago, surrounded by family, on Thursday evening at the age of 75. Perkins was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in 2008.

The following is a short biography on Perkins that was distibuted by the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Friday:

Born March 3, 1937 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Perkins moved to Chicago when he was just a year old. Perkins compiled a 26-10 amateur record before turning pro in 1956. Under the managerial eye of Hall of Famer Johnny Coulon, Perkins developed a crafty boxer / puncher style.

In 1961 and 1962 he engaged in a trilogy with Italy’s Duilio Loi that saw Perkins draw, win and lose in junior welterweight title bouts. In 1963 he regained the title with a 15-round win over the Philippines’ Roberto Cruz. He defended his title in Japan and Jamaica before losing a disputed decision to Carlos Hernandez.

“Eddie Perkins was a globe-trotting world champion. In the ring he was a gifted defensive fighter with terrific boxing skills,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his passing.”